The Transit Construction Mitigation Fund (TCMF) Grant

The Transit Construction Mitigation Fund (TCMF) Grant was established by the City and County of Honolulu in accordance with Bill 40 (2023) to support businesses economically impacted by the Honolulu Rail Transit construction along Dillingham Boulevard. The grant provides direct financial relief to businesses located within the defined construction zone, which spans from 2312/2339 Kamehameha Highway to the intersection of North King Street. In its current cycle, the TCMF Grant will award 40 grants of $10,000 each to eligible businesses. The program operates on a first come, first served basis, and applications are accepted exclusively online. To be eligible, a business must be located within the designated map area, have been operating at the current physical location since at least December 1, 2020, be open at the time of application and award, primarily serve customers at the location, have generated no more than $1 million in revenue in 2024, demonstrate at least a 10% revenue decline in 2023 or 2024, and be majority-owned by residents of the City and County of Honolulu. The application portal opened on October 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. and will close on November 6, 2025, at 4 p.m. Applicants may submit their application twice if the initial submission is incomplete. Applications are evaluated based on submission timestamp, and revised applications are re-evaluated based on the date of resubmission. Awards are expected to be announced by January 1, 2026. Support is available via email or phone during business hours, and virtual assistance sessions are offered on select dates. Grant funds may be used for business expenses classified by the IRS as ordinary and necessary, including payroll, utilities, rent, property taxes, insurance, advertising, and equipment. They cannot be used for personal or non-business expenses, government fines, lobbying, or political donations. Required documentation includes signed tax forms for 2022–2024, verification of business location, a valid Certificate of Good Standing (or equivalent documents for sole proprietors), and proof of residency for the majority of owners. The application form is available in multiple languages, and assistance is provided to applicants needing help with submission. Contact for the program is managed via hnlgrants@honolulu.gov or by phone at (808) 768-2622 during business hours. The City encourages all eligible businesses within the impacted zone to apply as early as possible due to the limited number of awards and strong anticipated demand.

Apply early due to first come, first served model; double-check documents; use virtual assistance on designated dates; confirm zone eligibility with the published map.